Outdoor Kitchens

Since the pandemic created new relationships with living space, homeowners are embracing the opportunity to spruce up and even reimagine what their home and outdoor space can be. One of the ways homeowners are rethinking their outdoor space is to add an outdoor kitchen. From fully equipped to a simple grill and a few chairs, outdoor kitchens are on homeowners’ must-have lists for 2023. Our experts have a few trends to watch for when creating that perfect outdoor space. For many, an outdoor kitchen may seem like a true luxury, but when you spend a significant amount of time enjoying …

Deck Design

It’s been three years since the pandemic hit and forced everyone inside for an extended period. Now, outdoor living is becoming more and more popular with homeowners. Creating an inviting and engaging space for family, friends, and neighbors to hang out is quickly becoming a new priority. With that, homeowners want to upgrade or design a deck space that marries the practical with the beautiful. Decks expand usable outdoor space while improving the functionality of entertaining. They can surround pools and create outdoor patio areas that make it easy to establish multitiered living spaces, enhancing the functionality of outdoor areas. …

Clean Energy Home Upgrades Make dependable environmental improvements

(Family Features) When you’re considering upgrades for your home, earth-friendly enhancements that impact your energy usage are smart investments. Energy-saving home upgrades can offer long- and short-term advantages for the earth, your wallet and even your safety. Many homeowners evaluate their energy needs as they plan home improvements. There are several low-carbon, resilient energy options available that can help safeguard your family. Consider these environmentally friendly upgrades to diversify your home’s energy sources, reduce energy consumption and ensure your home is well-prepared to withstand interruptions to power service if the electrical grid fails. Diversify Energy Sources The growing conversation to …

Find Inspiration in Award-Winning Home Design

(Family Features) Award-winning renovation projects aren’t just a way to identify top-notch contractors, they’re a chance for homeowners to gather ideas and learn from other home improvement success stories. One such source of inspiration is the National Contractor of the Year (CotY) Award Winners who are honored each year by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. A panel of industry experts anonymously selected winners based on the functionality, aesthetics, craftsmanship, innovation and degree of difficulty of their projects. Find inspiration in these 2020 residential project winners, and see the complete list at nari.org. Residential Exterior Under $50,000 The clients …

4 Home Improvement Ideas

(Family Features) Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or any other type of home improvement project, these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry and eLivingtoday.com can help you get started. Create a Plan Improving your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Start by setting realistic expectations, determining your goals and needs, finding inspiration and, perhaps most importantly, setting a budget. Renovate the Bathroom You can improve your home’s usability and increase its value with bathroom updates or a full renovation. Before you get started, think about …

5 Tips to Get Your Home Winter-Ready

(Family Features) As the days get shorter and the weather turns chilly, it’s time to prepare your home for the winter months ahead. Because your home will likely require extra maintenance to keep it in shape throughout the winter, beginning preparations early can help lower energy bills, increase the efficiency and lifespan of your home’s components and make your property safer overall. Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to help ensure your home is ready before winter weather strikes. Get Your Furnace Checked To keep your furnace from failing when you need …

Starting a Home Remodeling Project

Tips for choosing a qualified contractor (Family Features) Outside of the home itself, remodeling is typically one of the largest investments you can make as a homeowner. While some projects can be tempting to tackle yourself, many larger-scale projects may require hiring a qualified professional. Because remodeling your home is a big undertaking, it’s important to take steps to ensure the professional you hire to perform the work is qualified to complete it to the highest standards of quality and integrity. Consider these tips from the experts at the National Association of the Remodeling Industry to help you make an …

Remodel Your Way to a Bigger ROI

(Family Features) Homeowners and renters remodel, redesign and restructure their homes for a variety of reasons. Even a newly constructed dream home needs improvements over time. Common renovation projects include upgrading worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials, or adding features and improving livability. Other homeowners invest in remodeling simply because they’re ready for a change. However, many find the idea of taking on a remodeling project too overwhelming to attempt. Thirty-five percent of U.S. homeowners would rather move to another home than remodel their current home, according to research by the National Association of Realtors. What those homeowners don’t realize is …

7 Steps to Plan a Remodel

(Family Features) Remodeling your home can be one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Whether you’re thinking about a bathroom update, kitchen overhaul or a new room addition, planning and setting realistic expectations are critical in ensuring your project goes as smoothly as possible. Consider these steps from the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) before you get started: Determine your goals and needs. Understand why you are undertaking the project, whether it’s for resale value or so you can enjoy your home more. If looking to increase resale value, consider the neighborhood and potential upgrades that can …

Expand Your Kitchen

How space-saving sliding door hardware can help (Family Features) Your kitchen is the heart of your home. It’s a place where family and friends gather. It’s also space where you may seem to need more space, whether you’re making breakfast for the kids or hosting a big dinner party. Using innovative wall-mount door hardware, you can unlock your kitchen’s potential by freeing up the “real estate” traditional swinging doors take up. Due to their unique space-saving possibilities, versatility and aesthetics, wall-mount sliding doors can make your kitchen more open and inviting. A standard hinged door consumes 10-14 square feet of …